“I Wanted to Win”- NBA Legend Chris Bosh Reveals Why He Left Toronto to Join Miami Heat in 2010

Chris Bosh made history in 2010. He joined forces with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami Heat, forming the ‘Big Three’ in the NBA. Bosh’s tenure with the Heat was very successful.

He won 2 NBA Championships and was an All-Star on numerous occasions. His #1 jersey hangs from the rafters at the American Airlines Arena.

Bosh’s decision to leave the Toronto Raptors after 7 years in 2010 paid dividends. But it was not an easy one. Bosh went to Toronto in 2003, as the number four overall pick. Toronto had become a safe haven for him.

Chris Bosh sat down with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson for their All The Smoke podcast. On the subject of leaving Toronto, Bosh noted that the 2010 free agency presented a never-before-seen opportunity.

“I wanted to win right away (in Toronto). But, the kind of 2010 free agency situation made it to where I know I can play in the States and win now and have a chance at winning now. And that was the main, important thing.”

Chris Bosh loved Toronto

While Bosh wanted to win in Toronto, the situation did not support his ambition. But Bosh’s desire for his championship was due to his idols – Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

“Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant were our heroes man. That’s 11 rings. I don’t have none (laughter). And I’ve been playing seven years, I’m behind. “

For Chris Bosh, his ambition was clear; to win an NBA Championship. And Bosh says that there were certain people that told him that he needed to leave to arrive on that championship stage.

“I talked to a lot of OGs as well and the main thing that I got was guys saying ’No matter what you want to play on that stage. You want to play on that big stage’ and that stuck with me. That was always in my intent and the decision I made.” 

While Bosh wanted to win an NBA Championship, it wasn’t easy for him to leave Toronto. He said that his love for the city made it tougher for him to leave.

“And don’t get me wrong, Toronto made it tough on me. That was home, all my friends were there, I loved it there, I could shoot it wherever I wanted to.

“But I wanted to win, man. I’ve always been a competitor, winning has been first and foremost and that’s what I wanted to do.”

While the decision was a difficult one to make, Chris Bosh absolutely made the right call. Him joining LeBron and D-Wade allowed them to dominate the NBA together. The trio made four consecutive NBA Finals from 2011 to 2014.